Forests NSW has employed seven temporary fire fighters to help protect the State’s valuable pine plantations and surrounding communities in the Bombala region. Source: Timberbiz
Forests NSW regional resource protection and infrastructure manager who is based at Bombala, Jason Vincent, said employing temporary labour helped Forests NSW ensure it was well prepared for the fire season.
“Forests NSW has also employed a further six fire fighters around Moss Vale, which brings the total of temporary fire fighters in the Monaro region to 13,” he said.
“Forests NSW has employed fit, energetic and practical people, able to stand up to the rigours of fire fighting.
“When not actively fighting fires, these people will be employed on a wide range of activities including weed spraying, clearing fire trails and other maintenance jobs around the forests and plantations.”
Mr Vincent said it was anticipated that the seasonal fire fighters would be employed for up to six months, which would include the extensive hazard reduction burning program in autumn.
“Temporary fire fighters must be prepared to work outdoors in a wide range of climatic conditions, plus they need to be willing to work flexible hours, especially when a bush fire occurs,” he said.
Forests NSW provides accredited training for fire fighting, four-wheel driving, herbicide application, and OH&S, as well as numerous other valuable practical skills.
All temporary fire fighters employed have had to pass a medical examination and a physical assessment.
Mr Vincent said temporary fire fighting crews may be deployed across the State when necessary.
